Inter Miami star Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Joe Biden, which Alexi Lalas is having trouble understanding.
After Inter Miami star Lionel Messi was among the 19 individuals who received the Medal of Freedom last Saturday from U.S. President Joe Biden, former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas criticized the decision on his podcast, “State of the Union.”
“The fact that Messi received the Medal of Freedom is ridiculous,” Lalas stated, partly due to him having only been in the United States for a relatively short time (since July 2023): "He’s been here, what, a year and a half?"
Lalas also took issue with Messi’s absence from the ceremony, saying, “It’s strange, but if you’re given that honor, you should respect it, and Messi was the only one who didn’t attend the event.”
Furthermore, Lalas pointed out that Messi’s absence reflects poorly on Major League Soccer (MLS), Inter Miami, and the world champion himself. “If he didn’t want to be part of this for any reason (political or personal), he could have said, ‘No, this isn’t going to happen,’ and they could have avoided it. But it looks worse because he wasn’t there.”
Messi’s impact on U.S. Soccer
Messi’s impact on soccer in the United States was immediate following his arrival in Florida in July 2023. MLS reported a 5% increase in stadium attendance, and Messi was instrumental in Inter Miami winning their first-ever trophy, the 2023 Leagues Cup, and setting a record for the most points in a season.
“The eyes of the world are now on Major League Soccer because the best player to ever play this sport is here and succeeding,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber shortly after Messi’s introduction in Miami.
Messi has become the continent’s soccer superstar and an ambassador for the league. His influence on player recruitment and the league’s perception is expected to lead to better players, tougher competition, and more fans.
The U.S. Youth Soccer Association has also seen a 5% increase in team formations since Messi’s arrival. Aaron Wyler, a 2027 high school graduate, is a prime example. “I’ve been a Messi fan for years, but I never pushed myself to play. However, since Messi’s arrival, I’ve started playing the sport I love at club level,” he said.
Original article written by Luis Guillermo Vázquez, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Roddy Cons.
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Wiseman5000
138
A year and Six months but his work on charity is 2000times better than you're own
EmeraldJ
109
Some people are MAD. His criticism of Messi has no basis. It is just sheer jealousy. You don't need to spend a lifetime in a place to be relevant and be recognised. I am not a Messi fan and he's not My GOAT but this talk is baseless. Messi promoted US soccer to the world. Who cares about MLS till Messi went there? Who watched them?
adedefender
70
Why criticize Messi who by the way, didn't even ask for the medal, talk more of recognizing it's relevance?
rahmsey
29
who is Alexi Lalas? If you are a former USMNT star and nobody recognised you as a star it's your fault because you didn't influence anyone. The name Messi alone influences everyone not to mention his presence. "Every step leaves a footprint no matter how small" and remember, don't hate the game, but hate Messi, the player. GOAT 🐐 FOR A REASON.
himalnrsy
24
because of the midget body structure, people think that he is a polite & humble person but in reality he is the most Arrogant and egoistic Pussi 😂😂😂
Sanahi
19
Tammy Abraham played 13 minutes Vs Intern Milan and he worn player of the Match Award. it's about the impact not longevity